Neil Seaver that’s amazing ! I’m planning on hiking acetenango too! Any tips? How did you go about planning this hike ? :) Any tips would be appropriated
@@PerlaNightangel we booked the hike through the tropicana hostel (tons of touring companies offer the hike). We chose tropicana due to price and reviews. They will pick you up from the airport in Guatemala city at ANY time of your choosing and also drop you back off when you leave antigua, even if you're not staying at the hostel. We stayed at an Air Bnb a few blocks away ( i can recommend that one too if you want. Locked gate and security cams). Then you just arrive the day of the hike at the hostel for breakfast, meet the group etc. Its a very very fun adventure. If you want more info about how to prepare ( very important), I can give you all the details on how to prepare etc. My email: seaver.neil@gmail.com
Another tip: Guatemalan people don't know that tourists called the buses "chicken buses" so don't ask to a local if that is a chicken bus bc they won't know
Actually we know what chicken buses are but some people get mad if you tell them that word so better ask for camioneta extra urbana and everything will be ok
Guatemala is one of the most beautifully preserved countries in the world. I fell in love both times I’ve visited, and yet there’s just so much more to see! Can’t wait to go back!
I am german and actually stay in Guatemala for vacation. I just returned from my trip to Tikal and still paralyzed cuz of that wonderful experience... The local rainforest around that ancient Maya town is definitely one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. If you ever could get the opportunity to go there - PLEASE PLEASE DO IT !!! every single mile I had to pass for this experience was worth to it. Best wishes from Guatemala city 😀
I'm looking to go to Mexico and Belize this year, but I'm going to add Guatemala on my list to travel!!! This is an awesome video as it has given me advice!!! I can't wait to go!!!!
Wanderlust Awe Syndrome - I have been there twice. I'll be honest with you like I wish someone had been with me. I witnessed horrendous abuse towards indigenous people. Also, some degenerates learned my route I walked to my Spanish school. They started taunting me and throwing banana peels in my path. I was confused at first and thought it was some guatemalan custom!! Nope. Just old fashioned racism. Asked my teachers about the throwing banana peels thing and they said it was nothing. That didn't do me any favors, and made me feel even worse when I realized what it was and she just didn't feel comfortable telling me. Last thing, I ran into some residents of Livingston at the embassy. Livingston is basically where all the Guatemalan AfroLatinos live. It's a very isolated place away from everyone else. Anyway, I was chatting with them and they told me about their lives and how it was hard being treated the way they were by the Guatemalan government and society in general. But they can't do anything about it. It was a heartbreaker. So be forewarned, I gave it to you straight. However You may have better luck because you are a male and people probably will not be as bold with you. Mistreatment of women, especially walking alone, is more common.
If you come right now on this date of Easter will come to enjoy in Antigua or Guatemala City the most beautiful Easter celebration on the planet: th-cam.com/video/Lilx8kkaXFg/w-d-xo.html
@@deenabee6279 I'm sorry to hear about your experiences. Even so, I'm sure it was just a few people who did that. Anyway, I'll keep an open mind when I get out there.
Hey! This has been one of the best videos of Guatemala I have every seen. You captured almost all the essence of the Guatemalans. I am from Guatemala, and I thank you for this video.
I recomend to you to go to rethaluleu because It is one of the most beautiful cities here in Guatemala, This is the home of guatemalan Mayan, Astec theme park Called the Hostales of Irtra And Their Parks Xetulul - Xocomil and a new one called tree house Edit: My horibal Spelling ( intensional bad spelling)
My dad did an ancestor test and found out he is related to the first president of Guatemala. It was pretty cool to find out because his family is from there.
That was a great video ! I moved to Guatemala from the USA and, since I love Guatemala so much, it thrills me that you gave such a positive and enthusiastic review of my new counrty. The people are indeed the most chill anywhere.
I’m actually Guatemalan but was abandoned as a baby and put in an orphanage and then adopted into America as a baby. I’ve always wanted to go and visit Guatemala and hopefully I do someday. I’m only 18 so hopefully in my lifetime I get to
I love Guatemala! People were also as friendly and helpful in Mexico and other Latin American countries but I especially liked the Mayan clothing worn by many locals, the food and seasonal fruit, the year-round weather, always green nature, Antigua city and my souveneers from Guatemala.
*Very, amazing video* *Thank you for saying these great things about our nation. As you can see we have many people that dont wish us well and spread negative rumors about us.* *Come back when ever, safe travels* 🇬🇹
HAIL HYDRA Amazing comment and In my case I’m so happy that many people from another countries are coming to see how amazing is our Country Guatemala 🇬🇹💗 I’m so proud to be from Guatemala 🇬🇹
I love this! As someone from Guatemala I love and appreciate how honest and helpful your tips are, most of the people when they come don't really talk about the pros and cons, mostly only the cons and that's not fun, guatemala is a great turistic and fun place, of course be careful at night and don't visit dangerous zones, but do visit Tikal, semuc champey, the beaches, atitlan and places like those, those are really great, and if you wanna spend a couple of days in the city try to go to zona 1, zona 10 if you like to party, cayala if you feel like spending some money, or just simply try to talk to locals, we love to chat and show our country, also if you can come you have to go to San Lucas market, there you can find really "native" food that you won't find anywhere else in the world!
Hey! I am a Guatemalan living in the US, I'll be in Guatemala in August also! I could give you some advice! You are welcome to my homeland. :) hit me up on my Instagram Ralv_nok
Proud Guatemalan right here ! Hey guys I also recommend medical services, treatments or just medicine from Guatemala. I've been living in the USA for over 10 years and it's cheaper for me to fly to Guatemala and get my medical treatments over there than in the USA. Oh and a lot medicine that requires prescription in the USA you ca get it over the counter in Guatemala and a lot of cheaper
I know from experience as well, this is so true! My family has gotten dental, surgical and weight loss treatments there and has never failed us. So much cheaper!
Another good perk for expat here....lots of us here at the lake are big time budgeting. Inexpensive And Good dentists and doctors..and yes no need prescriptions for many things we do in US.
Enjoy you trip! If you're in San Pedro Lake Atitlan and see a lively woman walking with 2 canes, feel free to say hi! I'm still on vacation since 2015 lol
@@simoneconsciousobserver3105 We will look for a lively woman with 2 canes! We will be staying in San Pedro and San Marcos in mid July of this year--you may see us!
Excellent video! We visited Guatemala in 2018 and it's nice to relive parts of the trip and to see other places. You're so right about Guatemala being much larger than it seems on the map! We had to drastically limit our plans when we found out the actual distances. We had hoped to visit both coasts/oceans. We visited Tikal, Flores, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Hobbitenango. We took shuttles, flew, and drove a car. That was during about 4 days, so we still crammed stuff in. We had wanted to do even more! Guatemala has awesome sites and Mayans are so amazing! For any Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit fans visiting Guatemala -- you must stay at Hobbitenango! I cried.
As a Guatemalan lady living in Canada for over 10 years, I can tell you You nailed it! I love my Guatemalan people, they're humble, they're happy, and I miss that so much. I can't wait to go back and live in Antigua :)
I'm guatemalan and I wanted to thank you for sharing this video about my country. I am really happy you enjoyed your visit. Often we get bad media reputation, and I'm not going to lie, we have many issues, but this country has a lot to see and experience and we guatemalans are always very happy to help. Sorry for the bad english :D
I made the mistake of brushing my teeth with the tap on Lake Atitlan, and got Beaver Fever (bad, bad pain, I'll spare the details). However, the local pharmacy gave me pills that killed everything right away (like a stomach chemo, you'd need a prescription to get it in the US). Def watch the water. Otherwise, I can't say enough great things about Guatemala, the people, culture, climate and nature!
🤣🤣🤣 I know the feeling leaving in Canada for to long , everytime I go away to Latin America and the Caribbean I'm looking for washroom within a 2 hour window... never fevers just my stomach...
Here you spend 200 ++ doctors visit plus med. Guatemala you can go to pharmacy and consult and most likely the pharmacist has knowledge of dr. They will give medication fast as fast you pay them.
@@mastracu66207 ...wrong, I stay there and never drink the tap water or use it to brush my teeth. Even my hosts warn against it. They live there for 50 years.
Great video! Well done! Having lived here for almost 4 years you did a very accurate and fair representation of Guatemala :-) We need more videos like yours to encourage more tourists to visit Guate as most of the time, it seems like people associate the country with high levels of danger. So long as you use your head you will have a wonderful time :-)
Ohhh wow Wolter, got the essence of Guate really great!! “With all the good and not so good”... overall it is beautiful. Living in El Salvador now, so if visiting would love to meet. Being from Guatemala, El Salvador has been a great surprise!! It is really nice and the people are just the nicest people!! Recommended!!
3 Things that I want to clarify. 1st: Guatemala city has a lot of things to offer (Paseo Cayala, Zona 10, Carretera a El Salvador, Majadas, Centro Historico etc) So please spend at least 2 days there. Research on Google or TH-cam 2do: Tikal used to be like New York of the mayans. So that's why is so big 3rd: Tap water is safe, off course if you going from.USA buy bottle water. But in general tap water is good
Even in "rich" areas, I have been told by the home owners never to drink the tap water. But many of them have separate filtration systems for drinkable water.
Thatone Dude isn't the best. But if you drink it you don't gonna die. Not like tap water in India. Drinking that water and you'll be buried few next day
I just love your reviews; your positive attitude, your personality and the wealth of information. The fact that you travel with your whole family speaks a lot about the the places safety.
I was in Guatemala in April 10. 2019. I was trekking in Carmelita for 10 days to see the temples. La Danta is beautiful. I also went to Tikal as well. They police and military followed me and my kids around when we went to some of the stores because they said they don't see black people there and wanted to keep us safe. I truly appreciated that. We stayed in Flories after the jungle trekking. We were there a total of 12 days.
I am from Guatemala, and I still get sick every time I go, but, let me tell you, it worth!!! The food is amazing! Thank you for this video!! And thank you for putting up the name of my country!
With all honesty Guatemala is beautiful country, i was there for three months and i had no problems at all, some people exaggerate when it comes to difficulties but these don’t apply to all of us. Here in the USA we experience the ITM machines acting up or the computer is ‘ down ‘ etc but that’s not shocking because we are so use to it.It is all about get on with the program like everywhere in the world. In the US our inmunenologicle system is weak because we take medicine for any reason and processed food don’t help much. Be adventurous enjoy life you only live once!!!. Greetings from USA God bless you all !!!
I was lucky to have lived in Guatemala for 2 years when I was 14 years old and went back 30 years later to visit. It was just as beautiful as I remembered. I did climb the Volcan de Agua and Pacaya which were school trips. It was completely amazing. One of the highlights of my life was climbing the volcanoes and hearing the roar. Great experience. Very friendly people too. Don't believe the negative reviews. It's just like any U.S. city...you will find crime if you go to the bad areas.
This is a great video! I am from Guatemala and your description is almost spot on! The only thing that is different from what you described is the language, there are actually 21 different indigenous languages in Guatemala, but as you said everyone also speaks spanish. Loved your video and I’m happy you loved Guatemala! Is definitely paradise!
Guatemalan approved!! Nice video and thanks for the very great video for this amazing and underrated that is my home country!! Blessings and safe travels!
Recommend Antigua, weather is awesome, no A/C in hotels but its not needed, food is affordable, drink beer not water, and nearby coffee plantations are way cool.
You so nice, and the information great, I born in Guatemala and I live my whole life in Canada but it light my heart to see a visitor so optimistic and cheerful, Thank you.
Very much approved! Thank you so much for taking the time visiting my beautiful country and for providing all this information. You mentioned things that I didn't have knowledge of. I liked everything, but my heart filled with so much joy when you described how the Guatemalan people are. Fun fact: There are 20 Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala, not including Garifuna, Xinca and Castellano (which is the official language.)
Guatemalan here: (1) Most ATMS work fine. You probably had bad luck or you were using the ATMS in remote locations, where it is hard to give them maintenance. But in the main cities, almost every ATM works perfectly. In tourist locations, as the airport and major hotels you can even withdraw dollars from the ATM. Everything else is precise, specially our chill, slow pace. My advice would be "find the tempo, find our rythm": Most of the time you will get things done, just a little chill and slower than at home. One of the greatests shocks we guatemalans get when visit the US or Europe is the fast pace on what you live. We are not in that kind of rush. Almost never. Nice video!
Hi i am from guatemala and i am glad to hear good tings of my country i'm living in connnecticut for 20 years. Thank You for you video. God Bless America.
Cool video. I arrived in Guatemala Airport and ATM did Not have cash. Got the flight in few hours to Flores and the shuttle driver , stopped at a gas station in Flores and I got the money there 😂
You can pay in dollars sometimes or some people can offer you to exchange it for Q. But be carefully being out of the city let's say in the tourist attraction areas can scam you with counterfeit. So be carefully with that. Just saying you know it can happens. Greetings.
Top places to visit in Guatemala: 1. Tikal / Peten (8 hours from Guatemala City) 2. Antigua Guatemala (1.5 hours from Guatemala city) 3. Lago Atitlan (4 hours from Guatemala city) **The biggest town arround is Panajachel but you can go to any town arround the late, stay a night and visit the other little towns and villages) 4. Izabal (6 hours from Guatemala City) ** Izabal has many places to go and its on the way to Peten, I sugest taking a few days or a week to do that travel, stay two days at Izabal and get to know stuff arround, then go to Peten from there and stay a few days in Isla las Flores, you can go to Tikal one day, explore the lake the next and then end by going to the rest of arqueological places). 5. Coban (5 hours from Guatemala City) - as a city is nice but the true magic of Coban are the many amazing wonders near by, like Semuc Champei and Las Conchas. After that there are many other places to go, Guatemala city included.
The stray dogs in Guatemala are the best. They are all happy and hardly any starving. I’ll never forget hiking to the top of the volcano and there was just 3 happy dogs chilling at the top of the volcano
I loved this video! I smiled a lot through it because you speak your love for my country! I wish more people understand Guatemala’s beauty, culture and places. This country is also yours!
I love them 😊 we eat there each time we go to Guatemala City. Haven’t been in three years 😢, but they have one Arkansas 3 and 1/2 hours away from where we live. Yes the chicken is that good to drive up there.
Omg, please DO NOT take the chicken buses in the city, you will get robbed especially if you are white or seemingly not from there. Guatemala is beautiful all around though, and I highly suggest visiting, I visit my family every year there and it's my Disneyland.
@@emilyvilla3151 Oh I see. I thought you were referring to the city of Antigua. I just spent a little over a month in both. My husband and I like to go where tourists don't like local markets and such so we often meet the locals that way. We do have to watch out though with our belongings and such. Predominantly, there a lot tourists in Antigua too of course, like you said - although we did meet several local people who actually lived there too. Anyway, I appreciate your warning to people about safety.
Wolters world: COLOR my friend you forgot to mention the colorful way people dress and you only went to a few places, my God there's so much to see, but COLOR, everywhere you go, guessing that's why it's called "the land of eternal spring" 💙💛💚❤💜💟
I was in Guatemala City. I enjoyed it except with incident that involved a fight. Don't walk around at night in Guatemala City. I really did like the upper class area around Plaza España though and the Mercado Central in Zona 1. Also do try local rum and beer. It's pretty good. Don't try Quetzelteca. It's pretty much rubbing alcohol. The Jamaica version is akin to cough syrup. Even mixed with Coke it wasn't drinkable.
There are over 22 Mayan derived languages that are spoken here, is not just 1 "Mayan language". I'm glad you liked here, I'm in love with our landscapes, all my life isn't gonna be enough to visit them all hahaha
It's really a great pleasure to see videos of people like you (who do travel the world) talking so good about my country and of all our nice things and not only pointing the bad stuff... thank you for appreciating other cultures and letting everyone know about them... love your videos !!!
Hi Matias!! Sorry for asking but where you from? Just curiosity because I think you might be from Guatemala since you are saying they don't speak Mayan right?
There are 22 Mayan Languajes, thats the correct way to say it. Dialects its something diferent. There are many dialects for any languaje.There are Thousands of dialects just for spanish for instance.
I love ❤️ your voice ,and the directions are really helpful, Enjoy Guatemala 🇬🇹 ❤️ you are a sweet Ambassador of the Beautiful sites of this Country ,that has everything, pacific coast, Caribbean coast, Highland Jungle, Forest, Old Colonial , and also modern cities.
There is a music video by the Colombian group "Piso 21"(21st. Floor) which was filmed around Guatemala last year. Found it - th-cam.com/video/c9yvtEcI-hA/w-d-xo.html -They had to go through a Mayan ceremony to get permission from nature, local deities and energy of the Tikal culture in order to acquire harmony in order to make a good video. The singers represent the four elements. The scene where the four get together has Mayan religious meaning.
Thanks for your greats comments and advices. I am guatemalan myself and its nice to see and listen to your video. Come back soon. You and your family are really welcome!
I spend a LOT of time in Guatemala (and currently m here) and some of your info is just exaggerated. Speed bumps a couple feet high, for example. Come on. If traveling between major cities, don't do the chicken bus, do "Alamo" bus line, the travel times are equal to car travel and they make very few stops along the way. You can travel from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango for less than $9 or $10 and not be over crowded.
Just got back from Guatemala. Hiking volcano Acatenango might be the greatest experience of my life. Do it, if you can!
Neil Seaver that’s amazing !
I’m planning on hiking acetenango too!
Any tips? How did you go about planning this hike ? :)
Any tips would be appropriated
@@PerlaNightangel we booked the hike through the tropicana hostel (tons of touring companies offer the hike). We chose tropicana due to price and reviews. They will pick you up from the airport in Guatemala city at ANY time of your choosing and also drop you back off when you leave antigua, even if you're not staying at the hostel. We stayed at an Air Bnb a few blocks away ( i can recommend that one too if you want. Locked gate and security cams). Then you just arrive the day of the hike at the hostel for breakfast, meet the group etc. Its a very very fun adventure. If you want more info about how to prepare ( very important), I can give you all the details on how to prepare etc. My email: seaver.neil@gmail.com
I like pacaya better, acatenango it take to long, just saying.
@@PerlaNightangel just go to one of the 1000 tourist offices in antigua or any hostal, that all the planning you need
Did you go to rethaluleu?
Did you know the happy meal was created in Guatemala
Asi es amigo! You are right my friend!
Really
Fiambre i guess?
white liberals R D roots of all evil thanks for the information!
Fun fact
Another tip: Guatemalan people don't know that tourists called the buses "chicken buses" so don't ask to a local if that is a chicken bus bc they won't know
Yup. Camioneta is the word.
I have the best translation for
Chicken bus. Camioneta Canastera
Thank me later 😁
The people who knows the meaning will get mad.... 😂😂
You're right Jaja well currently the correct name here in Guatemala is "Bus" or "camioneta" jaja
Actually we know what chicken buses are but some people get mad if you tell them that word so better ask for camioneta extra urbana and everything will be ok
Guatemala is a very nice country. With a lot of Mayan culture an a lot of color. You right. Thanks for the video.
Thank you
Guatemala is one of the most beautifully preserved countries in the world. I fell in love both times I’ve visited, and yet there’s just so much more to see! Can’t wait to go back!
I am german and actually stay in Guatemala for vacation.
I just returned from my trip to Tikal and still paralyzed cuz of that wonderful experience... The local rainforest around that ancient Maya town is definitely one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.
If you ever could get the opportunity to go there - PLEASE PLEASE DO IT !!!
every single mile I had to pass for this experience was worth to it.
Best wishes from Guatemala city 😀
I'm looking to go to Mexico and Belize this year, but I'm going to add Guatemala on my list to travel!!! This is an awesome video as it has given me advice!!! I can't wait to go!!!!
Wanderlust Awe Syndrome - I have been there twice. I'll be honest with you like I wish someone had been with me. I witnessed horrendous abuse towards indigenous people. Also, some degenerates learned my route I walked to my Spanish school. They started taunting me and throwing banana peels in my path. I was confused at first and thought it was some guatemalan custom!! Nope. Just old fashioned racism. Asked my teachers about the throwing banana peels thing and they said it was nothing. That didn't do me any favors, and made me feel even worse when I realized what it was and she just didn't feel comfortable telling me. Last thing, I ran into some residents of Livingston at the embassy. Livingston is basically where all the Guatemalan AfroLatinos live. It's a very isolated place away from everyone else. Anyway, I was chatting with them and they told me about their lives and how it was hard being treated the way they were by the Guatemalan government and society in general. But they can't do anything about it. It was a heartbreaker. So be forewarned, I gave it to you straight. However You may have better luck because you are a male and people probably will not be as bold with you. Mistreatment of women, especially walking alone, is more common.
Wanderlust Awe Syndrome Mexico is beautiful, my favorite country
If you come right now on this date of Easter will come to enjoy in Antigua or Guatemala City the most beautiful Easter celebration on the planet: th-cam.com/video/Lilx8kkaXFg/w-d-xo.html
@@deenabee6279 I'm sorry to hear about your experiences. Even so, I'm sure it was just a few people who did that. Anyway, I'll keep an open mind when I get out there.
@@totenkopfkatzen6904 I can't believe that I have yet to go there.
Extra tip: Don't forget your repellent 'cause most of the tourist become the perfect meal for mosquitos, please take care if you go to sunny areas.
Oooh believe me that is true . Even if we are from there and we haven't go for years . The mosquitoes will eat you jajajajaja
Shut up!!! Que India mas bruta.
Its true. But buy off repelent at any local tienda or store, or bodegona
@@jorgechiubomberos shut up! Were you born here in the U.S?
Yes! This is SO TRUE. I’m not a tourist, I’m actually from Guatemala. So PLEASE BRING YOUR REPELLENT
Guatemalan approved! Nice video, very happy you enjoyed our country
Joseph.Bardsley@outlook.com
Personally Email me Please.
Siii
Hey! This has been one of the best videos of Guatemala I have every seen. You captured almost all the essence of the Guatemalans. I am from Guatemala, and I thank you for this video.
Saludos desde Guatemala amigos!! Tikal is full of energy, good vibes!
I can't wait to see those ruins in Guatemala. Great tips again thanks
It's amazing!
You are welcome to my country!
Do you know the tikal is over 5,000 years aold?
@@Gilpinales1 I love the history of aztec an Mayan culture. I heard only like 40% is excavated so much more out there
I recomend to you to go to rethaluleu because
It is one of the most beautiful cities here in Guatemala, This is the home of guatemalan Mayan, Astec theme park Called the Hostales of Irtra And Their Parks Xetulul - Xocomil and a new one called tree house
Edit: My horibal Spelling ( intensional bad spelling)
when choosing your chicken bus pick one that looks fancy. if they have money for that they usually spend money for brakes.
Thats pretty funny... plus i live here so I will keep that in mind next time i go out of the city.
Not true at all, they use the money on fancy things then there's no money for brakes 😆
WelcomeHome76 Yes!!!😅😅
@@ivandeleon5569 why would they invest all that money into making it look fancy if it's going to crash and burn because of bad brakes?
@@WelcomeHome76 but in a fancy way.
My dad did an ancestor test and found out he is related to the first president of Guatemala. It was pretty cool to find out because his family is from there.
The Raging Otaku Mariano Rivera?
Orellana?
Lie
Tecun uman?
@@juan-ksporty7348 💀
That was a great video ! I moved to Guatemala from the USA and, since I love Guatemala so much, it thrills me that you gave such a positive and enthusiastic review of my new counrty. The people are indeed the most chill anywhere.
Super chill :)
I’m actually Guatemalan but was abandoned as a baby and put in an orphanage and then adopted into America as a baby. I’ve always wanted to go and visit Guatemala and hopefully I do someday. I’m only 18 so hopefully in my lifetime I get to
You are always welcome here, with open arms.
I love Guatemala! People were also as friendly and helpful in Mexico and other Latin American countries but I especially liked the Mayan clothing worn by many locals, the food and seasonal fruit, the year-round weather, always green nature, Antigua city and my souveneers from Guatemala.
Guatemala on of the most facination country in the World ...i agree great Vid...!!!
As a Guatemalan I approved this video 👍🏽
Roberto Guaran me gusta mucho tu comentario! Que tengas un bonito día!
Eh otro chapín
*Very, amazing video*
*Thank you for saying these great things about our nation. As you can see we have many people that dont wish us well and spread negative rumors about us.*
*Come back when ever, safe travels* 🇬🇹
I love it so much I stayed. I love the locals!
True paisano.!!!
@Khetman of the Zaporozhyan Cossack Host *Tag me in the comments, Paisano*
HAIL HYDRA
Amazing comment and In my case I’m so happy that many people from another countries are coming to see how amazing is our Country Guatemala 🇬🇹💗
I’m so proud to be from Guatemala 🇬🇹
i agree
I love this! As someone from Guatemala I love and appreciate how honest and helpful your tips are, most of the people when they come don't really talk about the pros and cons, mostly only the cons and that's not fun, guatemala is a great turistic and fun place, of course be careful at night and don't visit dangerous zones, but do visit Tikal, semuc champey, the beaches, atitlan and places like those, those are really great, and if you wanna spend a couple of days in the city try to go to zona 1, zona 10 if you like to party, cayala if you feel like spending some money, or just simply try to talk to locals, we love to chat and show our country, also if you can come you have to go to San Lucas market, there you can find really "native" food that you won't find anywhere else in the world!
Regina this makes me even more excited to go back again! Thank you!
Hi, can you recommend a great beach city to also check out on the Pacific side?
love your videos man, planning on traveling to Guatemala in August
Have a good trip!
Hey let me give you a virtual welcome in advance.
It’s better for you to come from November to April. August is rainy.
Hey! I am a Guatemalan living in the US, I'll be in Guatemala in August also! I could give you some advice! You are welcome to my homeland. :) hit me up on my Instagram Ralv_nok
You are in my country! I can’t believe it. I hope you have a good experience.
Proud Guatemalan right here !
Hey guys I also recommend medical services, treatments or just medicine from Guatemala. I've been living in the USA for over 10 years and it's cheaper for me to fly to Guatemala and get my medical treatments over there than in the USA. Oh and a lot medicine that requires prescription in the USA you ca get it over the counter in Guatemala and a lot of cheaper
Good to know. Thanks Luis!
I know from experience as well, this is so true! My family has gotten dental, surgical and weight loss treatments there and has never failed us. So much cheaper!
Que viva Guatemala mi hermano
Another good perk for expat here....lots of us here at the lake are big time budgeting. Inexpensive And Good dentists and doctors..and yes no need prescriptions for many things we do in US.
Yes that is true . Right here in USA it sucks. In Guatemala is cheaper and in here is a lot his for me as 300$ a month is like wuauuu so expensive
Thanks for the great information. We are currently planning a trip to Guatemala so this info is very useful for us.
Enjoy you trip! If you're in San Pedro Lake Atitlan and see a lively woman walking with 2 canes, feel free to say hi! I'm still on vacation since 2015 lol
@@simoneconsciousobserver3105 We will look for a lively woman with 2 canes! We will be staying in San Pedro and San Marcos in mid July of this year--you may see us!
Excellent video! We visited Guatemala in 2018 and it's nice to relive parts of the trip and to see other places. You're so right about Guatemala being much larger than it seems on the map! We had to drastically limit our plans when we found out the actual distances. We had hoped to visit both coasts/oceans. We visited Tikal, Flores, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Hobbitenango. We took shuttles, flew, and drove a car. That was during about 4 days, so we still crammed stuff in. We had wanted to do even more! Guatemala has awesome sites and Mayans are so amazing!
For any Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit fans visiting Guatemala -- you must stay at Hobbitenango! I cried.
Mark, you're such a down to earth human being, I love all the videos....the pictures/video of Guatemala are amazing. Thanks for sharing them with us !
As a Guatemalan lady living in Canada for over 10 years, I can tell you You nailed it! I love my Guatemalan people, they're humble, they're happy, and I miss that so much. I can't wait to go back and live in Antigua :)
Guatemala is beautiful
I'm guatemalan and I wanted to thank you for sharing this video about my country. I am really happy you enjoyed your visit. Often we get bad media reputation, and I'm not going to lie, we have many issues, but this country has a lot to see and experience and we guatemalans are always very happy to help. Sorry for the bad english :D
I made the mistake of brushing my teeth with the tap on Lake Atitlan, and got Beaver Fever (bad, bad pain, I'll spare the details). However, the local pharmacy gave me pills that killed everything right away (like a stomach chemo, you'd need a prescription to get it in the US). Def watch the water. Otherwise, I can't say enough great things about Guatemala, the people, culture, climate and nature!
I've had that pill my friend. I feel your pain. Glad it cleaned you up
🤣🤣🤣 I know the feeling leaving in Canada for to long , everytime I go away to Latin America and the Caribbean I'm looking for washroom within a 2 hour window... never fevers just my stomach...
Here you spend 200 ++ doctors visit plus med. Guatemala you can go to pharmacy and consult and most likely the pharmacist has knowledge of dr. They will give medication fast as fast you pay them.
Idk what you're talking about. Tap water is never bad to brush your teeth with, did you drink it?
@@mastracu66207 ...wrong, I stay there and never drink the tap water or use it to brush my teeth. Even my hosts warn against it. They live there for 50 years.
I am Guatemalan and I currently live in California. Thank you for this video, I need to take my husband back home for vacation ASAP
Great video! Well done! Having lived here for almost 4 years you did a very accurate and fair representation of Guatemala :-) We need more videos like yours to encourage more tourists to visit Guate as most of the time, it seems like people associate the country with high levels of danger. So long as you use your head you will have a wonderful time :-)
_anibal502 alice boror camey putul tec lesley 2023
Ohhh wow Wolter, got the essence of Guate really great!! “With all the good and not so good”... overall it is beautiful. Living in El Salvador now, so if visiting would love to meet. Being from Guatemala, El Salvador has been a great surprise!! It is really nice and the people are just the nicest people!! Recommended!!
There are so many places besides Antigua and Tikal! Come and discover!
3 Things that I want to clarify.
1st: Guatemala city has a lot of things to offer (Paseo Cayala, Zona 10, Carretera a El Salvador, Majadas, Centro Historico etc) So please spend at least 2 days there. Research on Google or TH-cam
2do: Tikal used to be like New York of the mayans. So that's why is so big
3rd: Tap water is safe, off course if you going from.USA buy bottle water. But in general tap water is good
Even in "rich" areas, I have been told by the home owners never to drink the tap water. But many of them have separate filtration systems for drinkable water.
Thatone Dude isn't the best. But if you drink it you don't gonna die. Not like tap water in India. Drinking that water and you'll be buried few next day
I just love your reviews; your positive attitude, your personality and the wealth of information. The fact that you travel with your whole family speaks a lot about the the places safety.
Hello from Guatemala! Thank you for visiting our beautiful country!
That’s is weird, I was in Guatemala 2 weeks ago also 3 times in diciembre, I used ATM and always work for me!
im from guatemala and they're always working, bad luck for him i guess
For me too. And my Mom uses it all the time and never had a problem
I was in Guatemala in April 10. 2019. I was trekking in Carmelita for 10 days to see the temples. La Danta is beautiful. I also went to Tikal as well. They police and military followed me and my kids around when we went to some of the stores because they said they don't see black people there and wanted to keep us safe. I truly appreciated that. We stayed in Flories after the jungle trekking. We were there a total of 12 days.
Cool video overall. I've lived in Guatemala all my life and almost never had a problem with an ATM.
What a fantastic video!! I love your energy, and very informative! Thanks so much!! ♥️
This makes me appreciate more what I have here in my country
I left my heart in Guatemala! One of the best countries in the world!
I love Guatemala
I am from Guatemala, and I still get sick every time I go, but, let me tell you, it worth!!! The food is amazing! Thank you for this video!! And thank you for putting up the name of my country!
el judas chapin gracias amigo, saludos, que tengas muy buen dia 😊
With all honesty Guatemala is beautiful country, i was there for three months and i had no problems at all, some people exaggerate when it comes to difficulties but these don’t apply to all of us. Here in the USA we experience the ITM machines acting up or the computer is ‘ down ‘ etc but that’s not shocking because we are so use to it.It is all about get on with the program like everywhere in the world. In the US our inmunenologicle system is weak because we take medicine for any reason and processed food don’t help much. Be adventurous enjoy life you only live once!!!. Greetings from USA God bless you all !!!
My husband is from Guatemala he just came back from visiting his family he had such a good time
When we went to Guatemala my dad brought his chicken to the chicken bus 😂😂.
I was lucky to have lived in Guatemala for 2 years when I was 14 years old and went back 30 years later to visit. It was just as beautiful as I remembered. I did climb the Volcan de Agua and Pacaya which were school trips. It was completely amazing. One of the highlights of my life was climbing the volcanoes and hearing the roar. Great experience. Very friendly people too. Don't believe the negative reviews. It's just like any U.S. city...you will find crime if you go to the bad areas.
This is a great video! I am from Guatemala and your description is almost spot on! The only thing that is different from what you described is the language, there are actually 21 different indigenous languages in Guatemala, but as you said everyone also speaks spanish. Loved your video and I’m happy you loved Guatemala! Is definitely paradise!
Guatemalan approved!! Nice video and thanks for the very great video for this amazing and underrated that is my home country!! Blessings and safe travels!
Recommend Antigua, weather is awesome, no A/C in hotels but its not needed, food is affordable, drink beer not water, and nearby coffee plantations are way cool.
You so nice, and the information great, I born in Guatemala and I live my whole life in Canada but it light my heart to see a visitor so optimistic and cheerful, Thank you.
Very much approved! Thank you so much for taking the time visiting my beautiful country and for providing all this information. You mentioned things that I didn't have knowledge of. I liked everything, but my heart filled with so much joy when you described how the Guatemalan people are. Fun fact: There are 20 Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala, not including Garifuna, Xinca and Castellano (which is the official language.)
#22
@@Tietsynurvinsikov lol just like your intracranial space! 🤔🤭
Guatemalan here: (1) Most ATMS work fine. You probably had bad luck or you were using the ATMS in remote locations, where it is hard to give them maintenance. But in the main cities, almost every ATM works perfectly. In tourist locations, as the airport and major hotels you can even withdraw dollars from the ATM. Everything else is precise, specially our chill, slow pace. My advice would be "find the tempo, find our rythm": Most of the time you will get things done, just a little chill and slower than at home. One of the greatests shocks we guatemalans get when visit the US or Europe is the fast pace on what you live. We are not in that kind of rush. Almost never. Nice video!
Great video! So glad you enjoyed my beautiful Guatemala! :)
I’m from Guatemala 🇬🇹!!!! This is the best video on TH-cam!!!😁
Funny thing is, our country its so underrated that if some media find your video it may be a national news Haha.
Sad thing is, is not underrated by tourists is underrated by it's own people.
Hi i am from guatemala and i am glad to hear good tings of my country i'm living in connnecticut for 20 years. Thank You for you video. God Bless America.
Cool video.
I arrived in Guatemala Airport and ATM did
Not have cash.
Got the flight in few hours to Flores and the shuttle driver , stopped at a gas station in Flores and I got the money there 😂
I know right. You cant make this stuff up :)
You can pay in dollars sometimes or some people can offer you to exchange it for Q. But be carefully being out of the city let's say in the tourist attraction areas can
scam you with counterfeit. So be carefully with that. Just saying you know it can happens. Greetings.
My mother is from Guatemala and have been there about 10 times and it is very beautiful
Top places to visit in Guatemala:
1. Tikal / Peten (8 hours from Guatemala City)
2. Antigua Guatemala (1.5 hours from Guatemala city)
3. Lago Atitlan (4 hours from Guatemala city)
**The biggest town arround is Panajachel but you can go to any town arround the late, stay a night and visit the other little towns and villages)
4. Izabal (6 hours from Guatemala City)
** Izabal has many places to go and its on the way to Peten, I sugest taking a few days or a week to do that travel, stay two days at Izabal and get to know stuff arround, then go to Peten from there and stay a few days in Isla las Flores, you can go to Tikal one day, explore the lake the next and then end by going to the rest of arqueological places).
5. Coban (5 hours from Guatemala City) - as a city is nice but the true magic of Coban are the many amazing wonders near by, like Semuc Champei and Las Conchas.
After that there are many other places to go, Guatemala city included.
The stray dogs in Guatemala are the best. They are all happy and hardly any starving. I’ll never forget hiking to the top of the volcano and there was just 3 happy dogs chilling at the top of the volcano
Also I spent 3 days in paredon and there was a stray dog that followed me around the whole time. He was so cool
Great video. I love having your content on while multitasking. It is nice to hear about other countries.
Amo que presuman a mi pais 🥰🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹🇬🇹
Just to make something a bit more clear. There is like 25 different “maya” lenguages
Actually, we only have 22 Mayan languages, the other 3 are: Garifuna, xinca and spanish
Well, there is 22 different languages. The other 3 are: Garifuna, Xinca and Spanish
It's true but those are Mayan Dialect!! But there's more then 25!!!
I loved this video! I smiled a lot through it because you speak your love for my country! I wish more people understand Guatemala’s beauty, culture and places. This country is also yours!
I'm Guatemalan and I like this video 👍👍👍
I’m glad you and your family enjoy our country
Try pollo campero restaurants in Guatemala is fried chicken taste really good
First place I go when I get to Antigua
They also have pollo campero in Cali (: My stepdad is Guatemalan and he introduced us to it here
Yess and get the mustard sauce with it, it is the best
It used to be great, now it is not the same anymore. Still edible though. I am surprised by the number on Chapines that prefer KFC.
I love them 😊 we eat there each time we go to Guatemala City. Haven’t been in three years 😢, but they have one Arkansas 3 and 1/2 hours away from where we live. Yes the chicken is that good to drive up there.
I am a Guatemala I am so happy to heard you speaking of my country like that.
Same lol
Omg, please DO NOT take the chicken buses in the city, you will get robbed especially if you are white or seemingly not from there.
Guatemala is beautiful all around though, and I highly suggest visiting, I visit my family every year there and it's my Disneyland.
Use uber here :)
jajaja. aka tourist. many daily functions that are safe for nacionales, aren't necessarily for tourists. and some, vice versa.
We took a chicken bus in Antigua and had no problems within the city. I wouldn't recommend them for trips with luggage though.
@@EcoCleanQueen The city means the capital...Antigua is just a bunch of white tourists, not really locals
@@emilyvilla3151 Oh I see. I thought you were referring to the city of Antigua. I just spent a little over a month in both. My husband and I like to go where tourists don't like local markets and such so we often meet the locals that way. We do have to watch out though with our belongings and such. Predominantly, there a lot tourists in Antigua too of course, like you said - although we did meet several local people who actually lived there too. Anyway, I appreciate your warning to people about safety.
I'm from Guatemala and i really loved this video and the way you've talked about my country, you and your family will always welcome here.
I live in guatemala and have no problems with ATMS anywhere
Thanks for visiting Guatemala
You are always welcome
Wolters world: COLOR my friend you forgot to mention the colorful way people dress and you only went to a few places, my God there's so much to see, but COLOR, everywhere you go, guessing that's why it's called "the land of eternal spring" 💙💛💚❤💜💟
Thank you for saying nice things about my people. Yes, Guatemalans are very friendly!
Oh nono ATMs work perfect everywhere . unfortunately You were not lucky
I have never had a problem with an ATM in Guate.
As a Guatemalan I disagree, I always get trouble with the ATMs 😅
Yes
Correcto
@@chescavictoria1 if you are guatemalan, Porque Rayos andas hablando en gringolandia
Love how people get in to the history of my mother country that she from ♥️
Lovely place! Guatemala rock's!
You have described well the things about Guatemala.
"dont be scared of the military and police"
every guatemalan ever: O_O
Dont be scared of military unless you are indigene
悲ブランドン ... Sorry what?
悲ブランドン ... Sorry what?
Nah, I'm not afraid of the police, and even less of the military.
Police are corrupt , u can pay them for anything
Thanks for promoting our country! 🇬🇹
I was in Guatemala City. I enjoyed it except with incident that involved a fight. Don't walk around at night in Guatemala City. I really did like the upper class area around Plaza España though and the Mercado Central in Zona 1.
Also do try local rum and beer. It's pretty good. Don't try Quetzelteca. It's pretty much rubbing alcohol. The Jamaica version is akin to cough syrup. Even mixed with Coke it wasn't drinkable.
Easy now. Have some Tic Tac when you go to El Salvador
@@gustavon.1444 i really liked the Gallo Beer.
@@woltersworld that's amazing with carne asada and hand made tortillas. Chirimol needs to be included
>Dont try Quetzalteca
Excuse me lady, but that's beer is fucking Amazing gringo serote jaja
@@MartaPerez-mf1ko confused. Quetzelteca is that nasty aguardiente that sells for like 7 quetzales.
Thank you for such a beautiful video!
Greetings from Guatemala!
Time : 5:28
The place it’s Semuc Champey. Find in Google.
There are over 22 Mayan derived languages that are spoken here, is not just 1 "Mayan language". I'm glad you liked here, I'm in love with our landscapes, all my life isn't gonna be enough to visit them all hahaha
very informative and definitely not boring. thanks
Thanks Karan!
So helpful! I plan on going there after graduation and find my mother, I was adopted from there!
TRB is definitely the truth! Haha Tikal is definitely a workout. I recommend getting a private tour guide too cause the group tour will just rush you
It's really a great pleasure to see videos of people like you (who do travel the world) talking so good about my country and of all our nice things and not only pointing the bad stuff... thank you for appreciating other cultures and letting everyone know about them... love your videos !!!
I am glad I could Pablo. It was a wonderful family experience for us
They don’t speak Mayan, there is lots of languages in Guatemala but is not specific, “Mayan”
He doesnt really know so Mayan is the easiest way to describe.
It's called dialectos or dialects in english, there are so many of them that you as a spanish speaker would get confused.
Hi Matias!! Sorry for asking but where you from? Just curiosity because I think you might be from Guatemala since you are saying they don't speak Mayan right?
There are 22 Mayan Languajes, thats the correct way to say it.
Dialects its something diferent. There are many dialects for any languaje.There are Thousands of dialects just for spanish for instance.
Lorena Lam do not want any dilema.
I love ❤️ your voice ,and the directions are really helpful, Enjoy Guatemala 🇬🇹 ❤️ you are a sweet Ambassador of the Beautiful sites of this Country ,that has everything, pacific coast, Caribbean coast, Highland Jungle, Forest, Old Colonial , and also modern cities.
I can only remember Movie Apocalypto when i see those Mayan Ruins :)
There is a music video by the Colombian group "Piso 21"(21st. Floor) which was filmed around Guatemala last year. Found it - th-cam.com/video/c9yvtEcI-hA/w-d-xo.html -They had to go through a Mayan ceremony to get permission from nature, local deities and energy of the Tikal culture in order to acquire harmony in order to make a good video. The singers represent the four elements. The scene where the four get together has Mayan religious meaning.
That movie was actually filmed in Mexico... It's in the Special features\extras in the DVD. But i miss my Guatemala!
Thanks for your greats comments and advices. I am guatemalan myself and its nice to see and listen to your video. Come back soon. You and your family are really welcome!
Oh, hi mark.
Cool vídeo im from Guatemala and what u say it is true my dude
(Sorry for my English skill)
su inglés es bueno! tienes razón
Guatemala City in fact is a must to visit.
I spend a LOT of time in Guatemala (and currently m here) and some of your info is just exaggerated. Speed bumps a couple feet high, for example. Come on. If traveling between major cities, don't do the chicken bus, do "Alamo" bus line, the travel times are equal to car travel and they make very few stops along the way. You can travel from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango for less than $9 or $10 and not be over crowded.
That is correct.
I think it is 4 hours and 1 bathroom stop......that is, if they are on schedule
Thank you; Guatemala is definitely back on my bucket list.